IAEA says North Korea built new uranium enrichment facility at Yongbyon

September 9, 2026 at 03:31 PM2 min

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The IAEA says North Korea has built a new two-storey uranium enrichment facility at its Yongbyon nuclear complex, capable of housing up to 28 centrifuge cascades. Director Rafael Grossi called the continuing production of weapons-grade material a cause for serious concern. The agency also reported that Pyongyang has started operating an expanded annex at another enrichment site.

Key Facts

The new Yongbyon facility can house up to 28 centrifuge cascades for uranium enrichment.
IAEA Director Rafael Grossi called the continuing production of weapons-grade material a cause for serious concern.
The IAEA reported that operations started at an enrichment facility in Kangson, near Pyongyang, in January this year.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited the Yongbyon enrichment facility on 3 June, according to the IAEA report.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung proposed talks with North Korea on officially ending the war in August.

Yongbyon Expansion

The IAEA says North Korea has built a new two-storey uranium enrichment facility at its main Yongbyon nuclear complex. The building is capable of housing up to 28 centrifuge cascades, which are used to enrich uranium. The agency first reported the building's existence in June this year, according to a report released on 28 August. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un reportedly visited the facility on 3 June and praised the country's greatly expanded production capacity.

Kangson Operations

The IAEA reported indications that operations started at another enrichment facility in Kangson, near Pyongyang, in January this year. An annex at Kangson was first constructed in 2024, the agency detailed. The report relied on satellite imagery, open-source information, and photographs in state media.

International Response

IAEA Director Rafael Grossi said the continuation and further development of North Korea's nuclear programme are clear violations of UN Security Council resolutions and are deeply regrettable. In August, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung proposed talks with North Korea on officially ending the war between the two countries. Lee previously said Pyongyang was producing 15 to 20 more warheads annually.